Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Fluid in the lower airway is commonly associated with which abnormal lung sound?

1. Rhonchi

2. Wheezing

3. Crackles

4. Stridor

The correct answer is: Crackles

The presence of fluid in the lower airway is commonly associated with crackles, which are abnormal lung sounds characterized by a series of short, explosive sounds. These sounds occur when air opens closed airways and alveoli, which can be filled with fluid or other secretions. Crackles are typically heard during inhalation and are often indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema, where fluid accumulation in the lungs is present. The physiological mechanism behind crackles involves the sudden opening of collapsed or fluid-filled alveoli, which produce these distinct sounds. Recognizing crackles in a patient is important for paramedics as it can help them identify underlying respiratory issues that require immediate medical attention.